Rucker’s annual “Darius & Friends” benefit concert has been going on for the last 10 years. This year’s total was a record for the event.

Rucker said he was inspired to start the benefit event after visiting the hospital a decade ago.

“I was struck on that first visit by how St. Jude not only cares for their patients, but also their patients’ families,” Rucker said. “They believe that a financial burden is the last thing a family should face when their focus needs to be on helping a kid get better, and St. Jude makes sure that their patients never pay a dime. It’s an honor for us to be able to help them continue such an important mission.”